Watch First

Step 1

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Build the Base Deck

Build a 12’ x 6’ rectangular deck. For the outer frame, attach four 2x8s together, and use 2x6s for the lengthwise support joists spaced 12 inches apart.

Step 1: Comments

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STEP 1: Build the base deck

Continue Building Base Deck

Use a hammer and nails or a nail gun to fasten the pieces together.

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STEP 2: Level the deck frame

Photo By: Harlem F. Logan

Harlem F. Logan

Level the Deck Frame

Level the deck frame using patio pavers, cedar shims or any other strong materials for underneath. Make sure the deck is as level as possible for safety.

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STEP 3: Add the decking

Add Decking

Cedar is the most weather-resistant, but any decking will do. Lay it out evenly all the way across the deck frame. The edges should be flush with the 2x8s on both sides.

Pro Tip

To make sure the edges are really straight, attach a temporary piece of scrap to the side of the frame and line up all the decking against it before nailing in place.

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STEP 3: Add the decking

Photo By: Harlem F. Logan

Harlem F. Logan

Space Boards Evenly

Use a nail as a spacer to make sure you have an even gap in between each board. This will allow for drainage and room for the wood to expand and contract.

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STEP 4: Assemble the A frames

Photo By: Harlem F. Logan

Harlem F. Logan

Cut the A-Frames

Made from six 10’ 2x6 boards, there will be three A-frames in total. Two of the A-frames attach to the outside of the deck on both ends, and the third sits atop the deck in the middle. Cut the 2x6s with a 40-degree angle on top and a 70-degree angle on the bottom. Use a circular saw to make the cuts.

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STEP 4: Assemble the A frames

Trace and Cut

To make sure the cuts are identical, lay the first cut board on top of the next and trace the angle. For the center A-frame that sits on top of the deck, use the same angles, but cut each board seven inches shorter.

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STEP 5: Make notches for the ridgepole

Photo By: Harlem F. Logan

Harlem F. Logan

Measure Notches for the Ridgepole

The ridgepole is the long 2x6 that will sit across all of the A-frames. To make sure it stays in place, cut a notch in the top of each A-frame. Cut a small piece of 2x6 scrap and trace the shape onto the top of the A-frame pieces.

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STEP 5: Make notches for the ridgepole

Cut Notches for the Ridgepole

Use a circular saw to cut the ridgepole notches.

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STEP 6: Attach the A frames to the deck

Attach the A-Frames

Secure the tops of the A-frames together with a temporary piece of scrap wood to keep them flush while you raise them. Once they’re upright, screw the outside frames to the side of the deck, and the inside A-frame to the top of the deck with lag screws.

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STEP 6: Attach the A frames to the deck

Use Temporary Supports

Set the ridgepole in place to make sure they’re all the right height, then use a framing square to make sure they’re at a 90-degree angle to the deck and secure them in place with temporary scrap wood to keep them from tilting.

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STEP 7. Screw the ridgepole in place

Attach Ridgepole

Secure the ridgepole with screws in all three A-frames. The ridgepole is the most important part of the project because it will support the swing and keep all the A-frames vertical, so make sure it’s safely attached.

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STEP 8: Frame the side walls

Frame the Side Walls

On the enclosed half of the structure, one wall will be a climbing wall and the other will be covered translucent roofing. For the roofing side, connect the two A-frames with horizontal 2x4s every two feet. Repeat this step for the climbing wall, but use 2x6s instead. Make sure all the boards are level.

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STEP 9: Strengthen the ridgepole

Strengthen the Ridgepole

On the open half of the structure, reinforce the ridgepole where the swing will be. Screw a 2x4 to the bottom of the ridgepole to make an upside-down T. This will keep the ridgepole from bowing and widen the base for the swing hardware.

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STEP 10: Strengthen the outer A frames

Reinforce the Outer A-Frame

Screw a 2x6 horizontally near the top of the outside of the A-frame on the swing side of the structure. This is called a collar tie and will keep the A-frame sides from shifting under the torque of the swing. Add a vertical 2x4 on top of that to cradle to further support the ridgepole. This support will look like an upside-down T. Repeat on the inside of the opposite A-frame, but do not include the vertical 2x4.

Pro Tip

Do not install a collar tie on the center A-frame, as people would hit their heads on it.

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STEP 11: Back wall shiplap siding

Photo By: Harlem F. Logan

Harlem F. Logan

Back Wall Shiplap Siding

Attach shiplap siding all the way up the outer A-frame on the enclosed side of the structure. This is partly for looks, but the siding boards will also help to stabilize the frame. Let the siding extend past the A-frame beams.

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STEP 12: Clean the messy corners

Photo By: Harlem F. Logan

Harlem F. Logan

Cut an Even Edge

Use a reciprocating saw to cut off the jagged corners of the siding. Simply cut along the A-frame angle.

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STEP 13: Cut out a window

Draw the Window

On the back wall, use something square such as a box to trace a shape onto the shiplap siding.

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STEP 13: Cut out a window

Open the Window

Cut the window out using a circular saw.

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STEP 14: Attach the roofing

Check the Progress

This is what the structure looks like at this point.

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STEP 14: Attach the roofing

Attach the Roofing

Use hex-head screws with neoprene washers to attach the roofing to the 2x4 side beams. Overlap the roofing panels by one corrugation to prevent leaking. Leave a small overhang on the outside edge to cover up the edges where you cut the shiplap siding.

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STEP 15: Attach plywood for climbing wall

Paint and Install Plywood for Climbing Wall

Pre-paint three sheets of 4’x8’ plywood. We used bright colors on the exterior and chalkboard paint on the interior side. Measure and cut the plywood to cover the side of the structure where the 2x6 supports are. You’ll only use about a quarter of the third sheet of plywood. Level and hammer all three in place, then trim the edges if necessary. Leave a small overhang on the outside to cover the edges where you cut the shiplap siding. Add an aluminum flashing ridge cap on top to keep the rain out.

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STEP 16: Mark and attach climbing holds

Climbing Steps

Climbing holds are readily available at many retailers and online. Fortunately, they usually come with the necessary hardware.

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STEP 16: Mark and attach climbing holds

Attach Climbing Holds

Use chalk to mark all the spots to attach the climbing holds then screw them into place.

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STEP 16: Mark and attach climbing holds

Secure Tightly

Use T-nuts on the inside to secure the holds on both sides of the plywood. The T-nuts clamp against the wood when you tighten the bolt.

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STEP 17: Saw the climbing hold bolts

Photo By: Harlem F. Logan

Harlem F. Logan

Saw the Climbing Hold Bolts

To get rid of the extra bolt length on the interior of the climbing wall, use a reciprocating saw to cut them off. Paint the bolts and T-nuts with chalkboard paint and touch up scratches.

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STEP 18: Add trim to the back window

Trim Out the Window

Use scraps of leftover plywood to make trim around the inside and outside of the window. Pre-paint and attach with nails.

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Kids love climbing, swinging, and forts so why not combine all three into one structure? With some easy to find materials this three in one swing is a fun project and suits kids of many ages.

Add a Table

Measure and cut a piece of plywood to sit across the interior against the back wall, resting on two of the roof supports. If your roof supports aren’t the same height, use scrap wood on the lower side to support the desk. Screw it in place at all four corners.

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20. Attach the swing

Attach the Swing

Swing kits come with hardware. Simply screw the bolts into the ridgepole up top.

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Step 30

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Kids love climbing, swinging, and forts so why not combine all three into one structure? With some easy to find materials this three in one swing is a fun project and suits kids of many ages.

Back Side

At this point, you're finished building. Check out the back view of the structure.

Step 30: Comments

Step 31

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Kids love climbing, swinging, and forts so why not combine all three into one structure? With some easy to find materials this three in one swing is a fun project and suits kids of many ages.

Get the kids away from the electronics and out in the fresh air by installing a tire swing in your backyard. Tire swings have been around forever because they're fun for any age and they're inexpensive to make.